The Right Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, is delighted to announce that The Revd Alix Taylor has been appointed as Team Rector of The Sole Bay Team Ministry. Alix is currently serving in the Team as Interim Assistant Curate. Alix will take up the post in September, a date for her Institution, Induction and Installation will be shared in due course. The Bishop has asked me to pass on her thanks to all those involved in the process of Alix’s  appointment, and she assures you of her prayers.

This appointment is subject to legal formalities.                 

We are excited to announce that Revd Alix’s Institution, Induction and Installation will take place on Tuesday 1st September at 7.30pm, St Edmund’s Church, Southwold.

The annual Flower Festival begins this week. It opens with the Preview Evening on Friday 24th at 6.00pm. This year’s theme is ‘Opposites’. On Friday night there will be Arrangements to view, Drinks and Canapes served and the Southwold Ukeleles entertaining us. Tickets (£12.50p each] are available from Caroline & Alison during the week (or on the night).

There will be a Book Stall, Plants for sale, a Tombola and light Refreshments served over the weekend. We would be grateful for any cake and / or scones for the weekend, please.

Encourage families, friends and neighbours to visit us during the Festival weekend. Admission is free and all are welcome.  We are dog friendly too!

Next Sunday, 2nd Aug, our All Age Service will take place at Walberswick harbour. Don’t forget that refreshments are available from 10:45am

We will be on the beach every day from 3rd to 7th August for Beach Crafts and family fun and a chance to chat with the team from 2:30-3:30pm.

We are also running a Toddler morning each day at the URC church from 10:30 -12pm.

All our events are free and everyone is welcome to join us.

Tues 4th Teen Night Beach Party (11-18years) 7-9pm Parbar Beach Hut

Tues 4th Craft Night - Crafts Refreshments and Chat, From 7:30pm Boating Lake Tea Rooms

Wed 5th Silent disco (18+) 7:30-9:30pm Parbar beach hut

Thurs 6th Silent Disco (11-18 years) 7-9pm Parbar Beach Hut

Bishop Joanne needs you! Together We Are Listening is an invitation to everyone in the diocese to engage in a rhythm of prayer throughout the process of listening and discernment that will shape our future strategy. To take part please follow the links and have a look at our resources:

The Diocese has developed different surveys and whilst lots of clergy and lay leaders have replied, they want to hear from our PCC members and congregation members.  Please follow the link to complete the survey that relates to you:

https://www.cofesuffolk.org/exploring-faith/our-bishops/together-we-are-listening/

The Voluntary Help Centre are hosting an afternoon tea party at the Stella Peskett Millennium Hall on Wednesday 19th August from 2-4pm. £5 per person, all are welcome.

Please book and pay in advance at the VHC office

A walk from Blythburgh to Walberswick and Southwold, singing a short service at each church.

The day begins with a workshop to learn the music to be sung at churches on the route. There will be a variety of music to suit varying abilities, both experienced choral singers and those who just enjoy singing the tune. After an initial service at Blythburgh Church, the walk will continue via St Andrew's Church, Walberswick, then on to St Edmund's Church, Southwold. Music will be directed by Geoff Weaver, former Director of Studies at the Royal School of Church Music.

After the final service there will be a hot meal at St Edmund's Church, Southwold.

Booking essential; see link for more information.

https://www.cantusfirmus.org.uk/events/pilgrimage-of-song-southwold.html

Friends of East Suffolk Performing Arts present their Festival Party – a celebration of East Anglian talent from across the counties.

All Tickets £15

Services are live streamed from St Margaret's the first and third Sunday of the month. The service can be watched via their YouTube channel. Just search for St Margaret, Reydon and subscribe for free to easily find the link each time you join our worship.

Should you need to contact a member of the clergy team on a Friday (rest day), please contact Amanda Savory, Team Administrator.

Amanda will be able to direct you to a member of the clergy team.

Thank you all for your support for the Sole Bay Foodbank. Donations can be made at our churches in Southwold, Blythburgh, Wangford, or the shop in Walberswick. If anyone is aware of someone in need who would benefit from a food parcel, please encourage them to contact Lowestoft Foodbank phone 07307866146 or email info @lowestoft.foodbank.org.uk